Confronting the world in faith

What is faith? In a short definition, faith is the complete trust or confidence in someone or something.

What do I have faith in? My wife Sarah, for she is dependable, faithful and strives to always love me and do the best for our family. Five years ago, we made our vows and I know complete trust that she meant every word she spoke. She will be there for me until the end.

Sometimes we desperately desire to have faith in things that have failed us in the past. For myself, I want to believe the Detroit lions can reach the top, however their trustworthiness record. Maybe for you you trying to have faith in country, close relationships, and work; but at times reality comes knocking at your door and these people groups end up disappointing you. Before you had faith and now you have faithlessness in them.

When it comes to American pride it’s at all time lowest. According to last months Gallup poll, 42% "extremely," and 21% "very," proud to be an American. Republicans' pride is down sharply in the past year. First time extreme pride among whites below 50%; nonwhites' is now 24%. Overall the confidence in American is declining quickly.

When we lose faith in the security of our nation, family, and livelihood, our world starts sinking into a pit of doom and all that remains is fear, anger, confusion.

“Faith has to do with things that are not seen and hope with things that are not at hand.” -Thomas Aquinas

We the church needs to reclaim our faith and place it in someone who is completely trustworthy, who will never fail us and will be our confidence forever. In our world of faithlessness we go the word of God and find insight from the bible and confronting the world in faith.

The first story I want to take you to is from the gospel of Matthew. About a group of grown fishermen who came across an incredible storm out in the sea of Galilee.

Matthew 8:23–27 ESV

23 And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25 And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” 26 And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”

The disciple’s faith was shrinking by the strengthen of the storm. Fear drove them to doubt and they believed that death awaited them at sea. We’re no better than them for we have the same excuses for our lack of faith when the world is out of control. God is calling all of us out, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Through the breath of Christ, the storm ceased. That’s how powerful God’s power is in our lives.

The Latin phrase for the greatness of God is “Deus magnus est.” He has all authority to calm down a storm. He most certainly can control your life when it’s sinking. We need to start believing with our head that God got’s this. If he can create the world through speaking it into existence then most assuredly he will take care of us. For we firmly know Jesus is sovereign over all.

The second story I want you to read is from the book of Psalms from David, the former king of Israel. David shares his experience with us and goes on how evil is pervading the world.

Psalm 4 ESV

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. 1 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer! 2 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah 3 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him. 4 Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah 5 Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord. 6 There are many who say, “Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!” 7 You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. 8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

With rampant violence on the rise, our faith slowly fades because we see destruction over the horizon. But I want you to take a look at David’s faith, even though his enemies surround him and continue to live in wickedness. David acknowledges God has a purpose for him. “But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.” Real faith is trusting the Lord has a plan for us in this messed up world. Even when the nation is turning to darkness, God is shining his light on his people.

With this truth inside of us, then our lives produce abundant joy. “You have put more joy in my hearth than they have when their grain and wine abound.” Faith trust in God’s power, but then is express it in our hearts as authentic joy. For we always know the Lord is with us.

The final story I want to redirect you too is from the gospel of John. All faith was lost after Jesus was hung on a cross left to die. The disciples fled to Jerusalem and hid themselves from the Jews who were looking to destroy them. All faith was lost until they encountered the risen savior, all the disciples except for Thomas had seen Jesus.

John 20:24–29 ESV

24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” 26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Thomas at that moment was blown away. He couldn’t believe that Jesus was standing before him. Thomas didn’t have to have faith because he could literally touch Jesus. In realizing Jesus, who was once dead fully alive. He shouted out, “ My Lord and my God!” Could you imagine seeing a dead person coming back to life? You would need another pair of underwear.

The best part of the story is Jesus tells us that we are blessed because we have believed yet have not seen him. After this encounter the disciples now have authentic faith that Jesus ascended from the dead and then they began to preach the gospel. Not only does our faith impact our trust in God’s power and bring us joy to our daily lives, but it inspires us to share the gospel with our community. We shout out, “My Lord and my God is alive! He is not here, but is risen!” Our faith should be the catalyst that causes us to go and do great thing in this world.

Truly, when God desires each and everyone one of us to believe he is in control, have joy, and continue to share the hope of his resurrected Son. Churches that are filled with faith are able to accomplish great things and my prayer is that we become the biggest group in Ubly. That when people who drive through this town they cannot help but say great things about this church. For our faith is great for he serve a great God.

You get to make the choice today, we will you live by faith and not by sight?